Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has criticised the Federal Government for underspending on Victorian roads.
His comments come after $5.5 million in funds allocated for the Black Spot Safety Program went unspent.
“$25.6 million in grants were announced yet $31.1 million in funding was allocated for Victoria as part of the program for the 2023-24 year,” Mr Birrell said.
“We need more money spent on our roads, not less.
“Our region has been at the centre of a number of devastating road trauma incidents in recent months and each incident will impact local communities for decades.”
The Black Spot Program was established by the Coalition Government, and more than 3000 projects were funded as part of the program between 2013 and 2022.
Mr Birrell said he was concerned about the future of the program, as it remained under a cloud as part of the Federal Government’s 90-day infrastructure review.
“Thousands of people in Nicholls spend countless hours in their car every week, and this funding must continue to improve the safety of motorists,” Mr Birrell said.